On Friday, April 24th, a long-awaited and incredibly bright event took place in the life of our House of Mercy. Together as one big, close-knit family, our residents and team embarked on a grand excursion to the holy city of Jerusalem.
This journey was made possible solely through the grace of the Lord God and the kindness of big-hearted people. Our trip to the ancient city began on a high vantage point, which offered a breathtaking, sweeping panoramic view of ancient Jerusalem. Filled with joy and anticipation, this is where we gathered to take our very first group photo together.
The city itself is unique because every single inch of it is described in the Bible. The sheer realization that the monumental events of the Holy Scripture took place right here filled each of us with genuine wonder and excitement. After taking in the view from above, we began our descent into the heart of the city, arriving first at the famous Olive Garden (Garden of Gethsemane).
We entered the Old City through the Lions’ Gate and walked along the narrow, history-steeped streets of ancient Jerusalem. We were truly blessed to stand by the very stone where Jesus Christ Himself prayed.
Next, our path took us along the Via Dolorosa—the Sorrowful Way of the Savior. It was a deeply moving and profound moment: right there, on the Via Dolorosa, our brothers and sisters united in harmony to sing the touching hymn “Along the Via Dolorosa.”
Walking through the places where Jesus and His disciples once walked filled our hearts with a reverent awe. It felt as though we were stepping back in time, becoming active participants in those biblical events of long ago. As we moved along the route, our tour guide brought the history to life, sparking personal reflections and unique inner experiences within each of us.
The Lord guided our day so beautifully that we were able to visit the Western Wall—a site of immense sacred significance—without long lines, avoiding the usual heavy tourist crowds. After passing through security, we made our way down to the remains of this wall of the Second Temple. Being able to touch this centuries-old historical monument with our own hands brought an overwhelming rush of emotions. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, and we felt transported into the past, almost seeing the builders who once raised this Temple. This sense of immersion in history never left us for a single second.
At the conclusion of our route, we exited through the Dung Gate leading toward the valley known as Gehenna. From there, we headed to the final destination of our excursion—a monastery built, according to tradition, on the site where the Prophet Elijah hid from his pursuers.
We visited a magnificent hall inside the monastery, its walls beautifully painted with scenes from the Bible. There, surrounded by this spiritual atmosphere, we were blessed with a wonderful, delicious lunch.
This day brought an abundance of spiritual joy and meaning to everyone involved. We returned home filled with vibrant, positive emotions and a deeply renewed interest in the biblical accounts that we got to witness with our own eyes. Having the opportunity to personally experience Jerusalem and feel the sanctity of these holy places is a priceless gift for our residents.
Dear brothers, sisters, and friends of the Bait Ham Hesda foundation! We sincerely thank God for this blessed day. As our ministry continues, we stand in great need of your spiritual support.
Please keep our House of Mercy in your prayers. Pray for the health and peace of mind of our residents, as well as for our volunteers and staff. May the Lord protect everyone who extends a helping hand to those in need, and may He bless our upcoming spiritual journeys. Your prayers are our greatest strength and ultimate support!
